In some cases, the ACGME residency program director may not be all that familiar with COMLEX-USA. So the applicant is often asked for a USMLE score, or for a way to convert a COMLEX score to a comparable USMLE score.

In 2006 a formula was published for converting COMLEX scores to USMLE scores, but that has come under some scrutiny recently. A letter recently published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association addresses that concern and the NBOME’s stance that states COMLEX-USA is the most appropriate and valid examination series for osteopathic medical students.

The points in the letter – and the letter itself – would be great for osteopathic applicants to have in response to residency program directors who may not be as familiar with COMLEX as we would like them to be.